Samoa "Sam" Amituanai of Vancouver, WA, lost his battle to cancer on July 19, 2018. He was born Nov. 8, 1951 in Malaeloa, American Samoa. Sam came to the United States in 1976 where he worked at Tektronics for 20 years and then for the Vancouver School District before retiring in July 2016. ~ Sam had a kind and gentle heart. ~He had a gift for helping under privileged students and would often provide them lunch or just a shoulder to lean on. He wasn't afraid to give troubled kids a lecture but afterwards was always there to give them loving support. One mother thanked Sam for helping her son get on track and graduate.Sam enjoyed his sports-the Seahawks, the Trail Blazers and the Mariners were his favorite teams. He enjoyed going to casinos and day trips to the coast with his wife Judy.Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Judy (Tabor); daughters, Jennifer (Nick), Sara; son, Jason (Kelsi); father-in-law, Bob Tabor; sister-in-law, Vickie Ongers (Gary); niece, Jessica; great-nephews, Reece and Gage; along with his extended family in American Samoa. His dearest mother-in-law, Cecile Tabor, preceded him in death.A Celebration of Life will be held Sat., Aug. 11, 2018 at 4p.m. at the American Legion Post 14, 4607 NE St. Johns Road, Vancouver, WA 98663. In honor of Sam, the family requests that you wear Seahawk or Hawaiian attire. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to "Sam's Fund" at any IQ Credit Union to offset costs of taking him to his final resting place in American Samoa and help students in need at Hudson's Bay High School.Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.0